Alone Except for Jesus

“But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works.” Psalm 73:28

I am glad when the ladies of our church gather together for worship, study, and fellowship. It is uplifting and reassuring to be part of a like-minded group that worships the same God, studies the same Book, and fellowships with one another using the same words of encouragement and hope, comfort and blessing. We’re not alone, and we know it. “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).

Much of our lives is lived in fellowship with others—family, friends, church body, small groups, neighbors. Jesus is there among us, and we know it. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

But there are some paths that we must walk alone with only Jesus. In deepest sorrow, only Jesus can truly enter in. In private devotional times, it is just Jesus and me. When we must climb some rugged mountain He has arranged for us, we must climb it with only Him. When we are in agony of soul, or in physical pain or sickness, it is our journey alone. No one can live it or walk it out for us. This is also true when we repent of our sins and accept His gift of salvation. We must do it ourselves, alone, except for Jesus.

His voice is all we want at those hardest of times. He knows just what to say and do. He arranges for our next step, and our next. He provides the best comfort—sometimes the ONLY comfort our hearts can receive in those moments. We turn to the Psalms to read the trustworthy words again and again. A glimmer of hope appears: “He knows! He understands me! He sees this!”

When we embark on a path we must travel alone, we can draw near to God. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:8a, 10).

O, my soul, be not dismayed. Jesus is near. My life is not in the feeble hands of man, but in the powerful hands of God. “For I considered all this in my heart, so that I could declare it all: that the righteous and the wise and their works are in the hand of God…” (Ecclesiastes 9:1).

Thank You for Your presence and Your promises. When we walk alone on a path You have set out for us, be glorified by our response to Your love. You alone will never leave or forsake us. Amen.